4 February 2026 – It is with profound sorrow and a deep sense of loss that we announce the passing of Professor Asmarom Legesse, a visionary scholar, anthropologist, and the preeminent global authority on the Oromo Gadaa system. His death is an irreplaceable loss to the world of academia, to the preservation of indigenous knowledge, and to the Oromo people, whose history and democratic heritage he so meticulously illuminated for the world.
Professor Legesse’s pioneering, decades-long research transcended mere academic study; it was an act of cultural reclamation and global education. Through his groundbreaking work, he meticulously documented and analyzed the Gadaa system, revealing to an international audience the sophisticated architecture of an African democratic tradition. He proved definitively that principles of equality, rotational leadership, checks and balances, and the rule of law were not foreign imports to the continent, but were deeply embedded, living traditions practiced for centuries by the Oromo people. His scholarship stood as a powerful testament to Africa’s intrinsic contributions to democratic thought.
Beyond political structure, his work preserved the holistic wisdom of the Oromo worldview. His studies of the Oromo calendar safeguarded far more than a system of timekeeping; they protected a complex philosophy interlinking human life, ecological cycles, and cosmic harmony. He was a guardian of knowledge at risk of being lost, returning dignity and global recognition to a history that had been long marginalized.
Tributes are pouring in from scholars, cultural leaders, and institutions worldwide, recognizing him not just as a researcher, but as a bridge between worlds. He transformed the Gadaa system from a subject of local practice into a globally recognized model of indigenous governance and social order. The legacy he leaves is monumental: a vast archive of understanding, a restored sense of pride for millions, and an intellectual framework that will inform studies of democracy, anthropology, and African history for generations.
Professor Asmarom Legesse was more than a scholar; he was a teacher to the world. He gifted us clarity where there was obscurity, depth where there was simplification, and profound respect where there was ignorance. While his voice is now silent, his work continues to speak volumes, guiding future generations toward a more inclusive and truthful understanding of human civilization.
Born in 1937 in the capital city of Asmara,
Prof. Asmerom Legesse† was shaped by the rich cultural tapestry and complex political landscape of Eritrea.
He rests now, but his light endures. Our deepest condolences are with his family, his colleagues, and all who were touched by his wisdom. May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his pioneering spirit continue to enlighten our path forward.
Rest in Power, Professor. Your legacy is immortal.
